CF movie review: Jack & Jill vs. The World

I started watching this movie with very little expectations. I've seen what Mercy & Grey's did with CF and I was not impressed, ya it helps raise awareness but seriously, they could have done a far better job IF THEY TRIED!

So... I was watching the movie... I started relating to Jill, her independence, her reluctance to share with new people about CF, I've been asked some of the questions they asked on there SO MANY TIMES! The struggle of telling the man you love your sick - been there, done that! I have to admit, my guy reacted WAY better, although at that time I might have left out the fatal part, he neglected to ask.  After I got out of the hospital from a severe CF arthritis attack, months after we've been dating I broke down and told him EVERYTHING. He was awesome then too! :)

Anyways back to the movie! The one thing I had a problem with was her spending time in the hospital with another CF patient, IN THE SAME ROOM! but that is a minor compared to all the things they did right with the story, which was: the seriousness of the disease, the invisibility of CF (we don't look like we're sick), the coughing spells when we laugh really hard, the bunch of pills we have around, the amount of food we eat, the random hospital stays when we need a "tune up", the fighter spirit in all of us and the complete annoyance of people who don't take their health and lives seriously!

I would really love the people in my life to watch this movie, because I believe it will help them understand what my sisters (Aline & Kate) and I fight everyday.

P.S. Freddy Prince Jr. isn't bad to watch either, hehe.

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Book Update

"Slow and steady wins the race".  Well, I'm not sure what race my book would win lol but it is going slow and steady! Which means at some point it will be done. I still need an editor, English is not my forte. 

Right now I am working on telling Abe's and my love story!

What I have completed is my regimen for staying healthy, my time doing Tae Kwon Do and any Journal entries that have to do with what I've written about... its sort of neat how its all working out.

I've dedicated an entire page on my CF website to my book, if you want to check it out go to: http://www.cfchampion.com/Book.html.

I think I would like to have most of my poems in the book, perhaps one as a precursor to each chapter...

Well theres my update!

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Waiting

Seems like, at this point in my life waiting is the thing to do.

Waiting a couple more weeks to find out my blood test results, I really NEED my vitamin D to come back normal, better then normal would be ok too. Last time it was at 39 - acceptable numbers are 75-250.

Its been over 4 months of waiting for the high stress level to go down on some personal issues, I don't see it getting better anytime soon... I'm thankful for a supportive husband, great church and loving heavenly Father.

I really want a baby, so does my husband but we both want to be able to afford everything we'll need to raise a child.

Waiting is hard, trying to understand some of these things happening is even harder. At this point in my life my motto is "in everything give thanks".

Isaiah 40:31  But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

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Saying No

"Are you up to date on your vaccinations?" - no
"Can you quickly grab something from the entrance?" (that's almost as
cold as outside) - no
"Would you like a smoke?" - NO!
"Wanna eat?" - no, don't have my pills along
"Coffee?" - no, messes my stomach up to badly
"Smell this" - no, can't smell because of nasal polyps & 7 nose surgeries
"Are those drugs?" - no, I'm a health nut
"I guess you have a cold" - no, its called "Cystic Fibrosis"
"Are you trying to lose weight?" no, its hard to gain weight!

Most importantly, NO, I will not stop fighting for my health and what
I believe in. NO, I will not give up because of my family & friends
and NO, I will never forget all the CF warriors who have passed on!

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"Cystic Fibrosis" by Dr. Joel Wallach (excerpt from "Lets Play Doctor")

I copied this from a PDF document from Dr. Joel Wallach's book "lets play doctor" published in 1998. This section was found in Chapter 10. Sorry if some of it is jumbled. I can send you the original PDF if you would like, just email me at chooselife828@gmail.com.

CYSTIC FIBROSIS (mucoviscidosis): is the "crime" of

the century second only to diabetes (and that is only be-

cause diabetes affects millions and CF "only affects thou-

sands each year") in that it is preventable, 100% curable

in the early stages and can be far better managed in

chronic cases than it is currently managed by "orthodox"

medicine. Cystic fibrosis is an important fatal disease of

humans. CF was originally thought to be limited to white

populations of central European origin: today, CF has

been diagnosed in all peoples of the earth.

CF is thought to be genetically transmitted by the "or-

thodox" pediatricians, yet "they" have failed to prove

their theory despite multimillions of dollars spent in re-

search. Classically, the diagnosis is made when any two

of four criteria are present (Table 10-1), yet most "ortho-

dox" pediatricians will not diagnose CF without a posi-

tive "sweat test" (elevated level of sodium, chloride and

potassium in the sweat - greater than 65 mEq/L.

The "sweat test" has been elevated by dogma to "the

diagnostic test" for CF yet there are at least 17 known

diseases and syndromes that can give a positive sweat

test (Table 10-2), leading at least one group of investiga-

tors to refer to CF as a syndrome rather than a disease.

Initially described in 1933, CF was first thought to be the

result of a vitamin A deficiency in children dying with

celiac disease. In 1938, the term "cystic fibrosis" was

coined because the pathologist mistakenly thought the

changes in the pancreas were true cysts (fluid filled spaces

lined with normal tissue). It is well known today that

the "cysts" of CF are, in fact, a dilation of the pancreatic

functional unit (acini) with atrophy (shrinking) of the lin-

ing tissue. In 1952, the fact that congenital CF occurred

in a significant number of CF patients was established.

The foundation of the genetic theory of CF transmission

is based on the frequent congenital appearance and two

very poor papers, one published in 1913 which claimed

that two children with diarrhea had an "inborn error in

fat metabolism" and one in 1965 that did an epidemio-

logical study of a group of 232 Australian families with

CF - despite six sets of twins, the study failed to shed

clear light on the proposed genetic theory. These papers

were so poor they would not get past the letter opener at

any "orthodox" medical journal today. We have spent an inordinate amount of time on CF because this syn-

dromeagaindemonstratesveryclearlythatifanymedi-

cal specialty will be eliminated by discovery, that dis-

covery will never be given to the public by the "ortho-

dox" doctors!!!

In 1978, the first .universally accepted diagnosis of CF in

a laboratory ammal was made by one of us (Dr. Joel

changes in the pancreas and liver in baby monkeys and

were confirmed by CF experts from Johns Hopkins

Wallach). ThediagnosiswasbasedoncharacteristicCF

School of Medicine, Emory University and the Univer-

sity of Chicago! Experts from NIH and the CF Founda-

tion were overjoyed - that is until they learned that one

of us (Wallach) could reproduce the CF changes with a

congenital selenium deficiency in almost any animal spe-

cies. With this revelation, Wallach was fired with 24 hours

notice and "blackballed" from research (to show you how

ruthless they are, Wallach was fired ten days after his

wife died of cancer).

"

It has been learned recently that the positive "sweat test"

is the result of an essential fatty acid deficiency that

causes a secondary deficiency of "prostaglandin" (very

short lived hormones) that control the sodium, chlorides

and potassium levels of the sweat!!! Remember the talk

by the distinguished

anthropologist,

Dr. Johnathon

Leaky, Sr. who said "the more facts you have, the better

the truth you have."

The prevention of CF has been accomplished in pet, farm

and laboratory animals by the veterinary profession by

assuring adequate levels of selenium and essential fatty

acid nutriture to the preconception, pregnant and nurs-

ing mother. This is not as easy as it sounds because of

malabsorption problems (Le., celiac diseases and Crohn's

Disease) in a percentage of women!!! All things being

normal a supplementation of 200 mcg selenium per day and 5 gm of flaxseed oil t.i.d. would be adequate to pre-

vent CF.

Treatment of CF is very basic - treat the infant as early

as possible with selenium 1Mat 10-25 mcg per day. Plant

derived colloidal minerals may be used orally thereaf-

ter. Provide 5 gm of flaxseed oil orally t.i.d. Most impor-

tantly YOU MUST DETERMINE IF THE INFANT ISAL-

LERGIC TO WHEAT, COW'S MILK OR SOY!!! If you

do not correct the malabsorption problem, treatment will

only be minimally effective. In the case of older CF pa-

tients, IV essential fatty acids and 1M selenium provide

excellent management leading to a normal life expect-

ancy of 75 years!!! Compare this approach to the heart

and lung transplant offered by the "orthodox" pediatri-

cians!!! If the proper treatment is carried out, the "typi-

cal CF lung disease" will not develop. The lungs of CF

patients

are normal at birth and only develop

bronchiectasis after chronic essential fatty acid and cop-

per deficiencies have taken their toll. Don't forget the

base line nutritional supplementation here!

We went to China in 1988 to study Keshan Disease, a

known selenium deficiency disease of Chinese children.

We studied 1,700 autopsies and found 595 cases or 35%

had pancreatic CF (remember CF is supposed to be "ge-

netic disease of children of middle European extract" -

to justify this finding the proponents of the genetic theory

will no doubt claim that a very virile English missionary

impregnated 125,000 Chinese girls and, unfortunately,

he was "carrying the gene for CF."

Table 10-1. Four Criteria For The Diagnosis

of Cystic Fibrosis

1. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

2. Bronchiectasis

3. Positive Sweat Test

4. Family History of the Disease

Table 10-2. Diseases and Symptoms That Have

Reported Positive Sweat Test (1, 3, 9, 68, 72)

1. Adrenal Insufficiency

2. Ectodermal Dysplasia

3. Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus

4. Glucose-6 Phosphate Deficiency

5. Pupillatonia / Autonomic Dysfunction

6. Allergies

7. Calcifying Pancreatitis

8. Anorexia Nervosa

9. Cystic Fibrosis

10. Focal Hepatic Cirrhosis

11. Derangement of Prostaglandin Metabolism

12. Hypothyroidism

13, Fucosidosis

14. Malnutrition

15. Kwashiorkor

16. Diabetes

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Nutritional Deficiencies Are Being Attributed To Genetic Disorders

Veterinarians have learned that the institution of a healthy diet, vitamins, minerals and nutritional supplements prior to conception completely eliminates congenital birth defects[2] in animals. Dr. Joel D. Wallach D.V.M., N.D. relates that 98 % of birth defects are caused by nutritional deficiencies. He includes in this list cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, heart defects, brain defects, spina bifida, cleft palate, limb defects, hernia etc. Radiation appears to be responsible for less than .1% of birth defects. Teenagers have a bigger percentage of children with birth defects than women over age 40 probably because of poor diet, lack of supplements, and their own need for supplements as growing adults competing with that of the developing infant.

Billions of dollars have been spent on laboratory, pet and agricultural animals to learn more about birth defects. The information obtained from these studies has totally eliminated birth defects in animals.

Cystic fibrosis is a selenium and fatty acid deficiency in the fetus or newborn breastfed infant. Maternal malabsorption of selenium caused by subclinical celiac disease is the initiating cause of the selenium deficit found in the fetus. This newborn's selenium deficiency produces the fibrocystic lesions in the pancreas typical of cystic fibrosis. The cystic fibrosis infant is born with normal lungs but later they become a major problem with recurring pneumonias and pseudomonas bronchial infections which often cause lung failure to be the cause for death at a young age.

In 1958 Dr. Klaus Schwartz of Germany reported in Federation Proceedings (NIH Journal) that selenium was an essential nutrient. Deficiency of selenium produced the same pancreas lesion in test rats and mice as was seen in cystic fibrosis in humans.

In 1972 Cornell University researchers reported that chicks hatched from selenium deficient hens developed cystic fibrosis lesions in their pancreas.This "cystic fibrosis" disease in the chicks was completely reversible within 30 days in newborn chicks by supplementation with selenium. This important research information enabled Dr. Wallach to treat 450 cystic fibrosis patients with excellent results using selenium. Infants with "cystic fibrosis"started on selenium therapy at 3 months are still cured at age 12. Mothers who had cystic fibrosis children have been able to have normal childrenwhen their selenium deficiency was corrected.

Working in conjunction with 3 Chinese scientists Dr. Wallach was able to learn that 1700 children who died of Keshan Disease (a heart fibrosing illness caused by selenium deficiency in the soil) had clear evidence in 595 of these children (35 %) of the cystic fibrosis lesions in their pancreases. Because the Cystic Fibrosis gene is reportedly present in only 1 out of 2500 persons this clearly proves that cystic fibrosis is not a genetic disorder. Approaching the Keshan Disease from a different angle careful autopsy studies of 400 persons who died with "cystic fibrosis" hadcharacteristic fibrotic lesions of the heart exactly like those found in selenium deficiency in Keshan Province of China.

The reason that some mothers become selenium deficient appears to be related to food allergies which cause changes in the appearance of the gut producing malabsorption of food. Breast feeding by a selenium deficient mother makes the infants selenium deficiency worse. The presence of maternal food allergies, malabsorption syndromes and nutritional deficiencies all can lead to birth defects. Dr. Wallach believes that it is unlikely that aggressive searching for food allergies and widespread use of selenium and nutritional supplements will be pursued by physicians who are earning a comfortable living with the status quo. Unfortunately many physicians hearing about the relationship between selenium and the causation of "celiac disease" will be skeptical and not willing to use this information.

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What, Why & How Much Nutrients (Updated!)

Supplements from Vitacost you can click and go directly to the product I use! updated September 9, 2015.

+Proprietary Acemannan Supplement+

Immune Modulation Support

1 capsule 3x a day

+Phytosterols - Wild Yam Root+

Enhances the immune system & endocrine (glandular) system

1 Capsule 2x a day

+Ome9ga 3, 6 & 9 +

Overall health

1 capsule 3x a day

+Vitamins & Minerals+
Organic herbs and cultured whole-food vitamins & minerals
1 tablet 3x a day

+Antioxidants+

Elderberry Extract Syrup
Black elderberry possesses antioxidant properties that can help protect cells from free radical damage and may support healthy immune function.
1 tsp a day

Acai Berry Extract 

An exotic fruit extract rich in antioxidants. Also contains protein, unsaturated fatty acids, fiber and nutrients such as calcium, iron and thiamin.
1 Capsule 2x a day

+Phytonutrients+
Each Garden Veggie™ capsule contains over 3,000 phytonutrients taken from 12 whole vegetables. 4x more antioxidant power: Test show Garden Veggies delivers more antioxidant capacity (ORAC) than other brands.
1 Capsule 2x a day

+Choline & Inositol+

• Choline is a key structural component of cellular membranes 
• Choline is necessary for the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine 
• Inositol supports mental health and stable, even moods 
• Inositol promotes calm, even in stressful circumstances 
• Inositol supports a more relaxed attitude in those that are overly neat and orderly 
• Inositol supports healthy ovarian function thereby promoting normal menstrual cycles 
• Inositol may support normal, smooth skin

1 Capsule a day

+Colostrum+
Colostrum is a natural source of nutrients, immunoglobulins (mainly IgG) and growth factors.
1 Capsule a day

+Papaya Enzymes+
1 with every meal

+Probiotics+

Helps break down food and process waste

1 capsule a day

+Turmeric Root Extract (Curcuma longa)+
Turmeric & Bromelain is a synergistic combination that helps to support a healthy anti-inflammatory response
2 capsules 1x a day (45 min. before food)

+Genistein+
As part of the gen/curc combo for DF508 
1 Tablet a day taken with Turmeric & Bromlain

+Vitamin K1 & K2+
normal blood clotting function, critical for the formation of healthy, strong bone matrix
1 capsule a day

+D3 5000 IU+
1 softgel 2x a day

+Activated Charcoal+
For gas & intestinal issues
1 capsule with each meal

+Cranberry & other herbs+

Supports Urinary Tract Health

1 capsule a day

+Garlic+

Manufactured with Non-GMO aged garlic and guaranteed to leave no after-odor, either through the mouth or pores, after consumption. ULTRA GARLITE is manufactured with a unique, quick cool-drying process which guarantees the allicin and other phytonutrient content to be the same as that which is present in fresh garlic.

1 Tablet a day

+Spirulina+
Over 60% protein and is a great source of many important phytonutrients and minerals such as carotenoids, essential fatty acids, iron, magnesium, calcium and selenium.
1 tablet with each meal

+MSM+

Relieves inflammation 

1/4 tsp with warm water at least 1 time a day
**not taking while pregnant

+Ionic Silver+

20-30 ppm

Kills virus' & bacteria 

Nebulize only when I'm sick or bacteria shows up in my sputum sample. 

CF Arthritis

for years it was a mystery disease/allergy for my sister Aline, she's always had CFAA (cystic fibrosis associated arthritis) the worst. It started with red spots everywhere and one of her joints swelling up and hurting... along with fever, aches & pains. She has suffered from it since she was a pre-teen.

the children CF clinic never knew what it was, she was tested for everything. the first day I was seen by my adult CF doc, I asked him about it and he said it was CFAA, pretty common in CFers.

I googled it, and here are some good webpages I found.

http://www.wellsphere.com/cystic-fibrosis-article/understanding-cystic-fibrosis-associated-arthritis/149455

http://www.cysticfibrosis.ca/en/aboutCysticFibrosis/Arthritis.php

it explained everything that had been going on with my sister and as I got to be an older teen me as well... we found a good natural supplement for muscle recovery that keeps away the symptoms. if I miss taking them for a while I get a huge CFAA attack... so, I try to remember to take them!

losing sleep and a low immune system also contribute to an attack, today I got red spots and slight aches & pains. if it gets bad enough I take advil, it helps with the inflammation. the reason I believe this happened was the loss of sleep these last couple days and I may have forgotten some of my pills (OOPS).

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What, Why & How Much (Nutrients!)

Updated post: http://cysticfibrosisblog.blogspot.ca/2011/01/what-why-how-much-nutrients-updated.html

Vitamin D

So my test results came back... all is good except my vit D! :(

It's at 39! Acceptable numbers are 75-250...

What to do?
Could the fact that I didn't fast, and took all my supplements that day, affect the data?

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MARRIED!!!

Marriage life is awesome! I have a husband to do therapy on me :) lol

I'm just now having time to update websites, blogs, facebook, twitter... changing my name is a work in progress... who knew?

had surprise blood work at my last clinic which was April 8th. Still haven't found out the results but I'm guessing their good because otherwise I think I would have received a call! I'm still going to find out the results of the vit D levels (last blood test was over a year ago and they had changed the vit D required levels, it was very low). I take a "real food" vitamin and mineral supplement so I cant wait to see what the test results were like!

FEV1 was 97%! my sisters both beat me, Aline had 99% and Kate had 103%. we all have Delta F508 mutation so this is quite a miracle and blessing from God!

CF siblings

Growing up we were known as the "3 CF girls" having someone to go to clinic with, talk to & understand what CF was like, and I couldn't imagine it any other way.
I'm the oldest of us and I want to thank my parents for having the courage to have more children and go through all the extra work to raise us the healthy way.
I want to hear about other CF siblings, parents & spouses and hear your opinions about having more kids when you already have one with CF, having more then 1 CF sibling etc.

Eating Fresh For CF!

*as seen on www.cysticlife.org

Running out of pills is never fun but it demands creative thinking, this time I think I just might have hit the jackpot!!!!

EATING FRESH! as in fresh fruits & veggies! you might have guessed what pills I ran out of... my probiotics & enzymes (ones I pay for and make a big difference with my digestion). So, here is what works even better or the best when in combination:

Half of my meal fresh - fave fruits & veggies:

bananas

apples

broccoli

lettuce (salad)

carrots

For probiotics I make sure I have lots of yogurt!

With the wedding, a house & transitioning to a new job finances can be tight... this is one way of saving money & not putting my health at rist!

Busy as a bee!

With the wedding in May, starting a new job (or two), marriage counseling, maybe buying a house... so many changes and everything is happening at once!

after months of looking for a job I finally got one! I love it and if I can I will get another, the one I have right now is 15 hrs a week so I think another part time job wont hurt.

my health has been doing super great through this very extremely cold winter after adding garlic pills to my regular supplementation.

my book is still in progress and might be paused for a big because these next few months promise to keep me on my toes at all times!

I've officially changed my website from www.rebeccaelias.org to www.cfchampion.com

I have also changed my poetry website to a blog - http://rebeccajaye.blogspot.com

Engaged!

Abe got on his knees just at the stroke of midnight on new years!

A great way to start the new year!



I'm a very lucky girl and we're planning a spring wedding.

Baking Soda - Natural Mucous Thinner

As my dad was reading an artical by Dr. Mercola "Overlooked 150 Year Old Household Cleaner a Remedy for Swine Flu?" He called me over and showed me this

"According to the Materia Medica by Walter Bastedo, sodium bicarbonate taken internally can soothe your mucous membranes and dissolve thick mucus."

So now I take 1/2 tsp of baking soda with a full glass of water (8 oz) at least once a day, if not more and I'm noticing not only thinner mucous but I'm getting more of it out!

Never get sick again - a great rational & balanced artical

Cold weather might put some stress on your immune system, but if your immune system is strong, you will not get sick.
Little things like weather changes, stress, exposure to germs can make you sick because your immune system is weak.

Take a look at some things that make your immune system weak....

1) Toxins: Most people today have excess accumulation of toxins and waste material in their bodies causing their body to be acidic and adding stress to their immune system function. The two main reasons for this is
a) People are putting huge amounts of toxins (mostly unknowingly) in their bodies on a regular basis and
b) their elimination channels are clogged, slow or sluggish.
c) toxins like "junk" food, medications(drugs), sugars, excess alcohol, allergens all stress your immune system, thus making it weak and unable to fight the germs when exposed to them.

2) Nutritional Deficiency:
When your body lacks nutrition, you will have a weak immune system.
Since our bodies can not produce nutrients needed for optimal health, quality food plays a major factor in keeping our cells healthy and our immune system strong. Food not only provides energy to your body, but all the nutrients that are essential for a healthy immune system.

3) Lack of drinking healthy water:
Dehydration means the cells just simply do not have enough fluid. Dehydration cause medical problems including pain, arthritis, asthma, and allergies, among other medical issues. It can affect your energy and your sleep, and the ability to get toxins/waste material out of the body.

4) Lack of physical activity:
Lack of regular, moderate exercise appears to slow down cleansing the body of certain toxins and waste products

5) Lack of sufficient rest:
lack of sleep will stress your immune system and thus increase the risk of catching a bug.
The good news is that I think you can help control or reverse your condition by doing as many as possible of the following list.

6) Chronic stress
People who are under chronic stress have lower than normal white blood cell counts, are more vulnerable to colds and other viruses and take longer to recover from them. They are more likely to experience more severe symptoms than people who are not under a great deal of stress.

The good news is you can strengthen your immune system by doing as many of the following list as possible....

1) keep practicing good personal hygiene care, wash your hands! The great plague of 1918 could have been avoided by practicing good personal hygiene.

2) get plenty of rest. During deep sleep, our body release potent immune-enhancing substances that strengthen your immune system function. By not allowing our body sufficient rest, the immune system will sputter, and as a result, not function at full capacity. We then are more likely to become ill with common illnesses. A healthy, deep sleep allows our body to release a significant amount of growth hormone that boost the immune system and aids in the growth and repair of the body.

3) get moderate and regular exercise
An increase in blood flow associated with moderate exercise helps to circulate antibodies along with white blood cells necessary to fight infection more quickly. As a result, this provides our bodies with an early warning system to ward off potentially damaging germs. In addition, the increase in body temperature as a result of physical activity may aid in inhibiting the growth of bacteria; thus allowing the body to fight infection more effectively.

4) Receiving a Regular Body Cleansing.
Body cleansing is essential because our bodies need to properly eliminate the toxic build up that has formed in our intestines (colon), which may lead to sickness and disease. Our body organs and tissues must be free of toxins for the immune system to function optimally thus enabling our bodies to receive the essential nutrients our bodies need.

5) Boost immune system by drinking plenty of filtered water.
Water is essential for all living things and keeps our immune system operating optimally while improving the way we feel, look and live. Without sufficient amounts of water, you may experience routine fatigue, dry skin, headaches, constipation, and a decrease normal bodily function which may lead to your body unable to fight off diseases. Without water we would literally dehydrate which could result in the shutting down of vital organs and ultimately end in death.

6) Eliminate all sugar and allergens from your diet.
Just a small amount of sugar has been proven to impair white blood cells up to 50% for very short periods of time. By discovering what our personal food allergies are, then eliminating or desensitizing them will help strengthen your immune system. By removing these triggers, our immune cells are strengthened in order to combat other invaders such as influenza rather than the allergen. The elimination of sugar from your diet can also strengthen immune system.

7) Eat nutritiously
Good foods to eat include organic fruits and vegetables, chloretta, medicinal mushrooms like maitake, shiitake, reishi, or turkey tail. Besides water, wheatgrass juice, aloe vera juice, or green tea are good drinks.

8) Take supplements
Supplements are needed because our bodies can not produce the nutrients necessary to maintain optimum health. There are many nutrients needed in order to maintain a strong immune system. It is very challenging in the world we live in to obtain sufficient nutrition with the foods available to us. They are over processed and void of many essential nutrients. Additionally, food is grown in soils that have been over-planted and saturated with synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Vitamin and mineral deficiency subjects us to more diseases, aging, sickness, and the weakening of our immune system.

Best herbs include echinacea, goldenseal, garlic, olive leaf extract, elderberry, or astragalus.

Best vitamins include Vitamin A, C, or E. These are a good source of antioxidants, which will boost your immune system.
The minerals zinc and selenium also help with boosting your immune system.

As you can see, there is no one magic cure, one supplement, or one way to keep your immune system strong, but if you do most of these suggestions, you may never get sick again even when everyone around you is sick.

More details can be found at the website in the source box.
Source(s):
http://www.immunesystemremedies.com

How I got rid of my BAD NASTY cough from CF clinic

Of course the basics:

-Lots of sleep
-Consistently take ALL my supplements!
-Apply special herbal type cream on my chest EVERY night
-Deep breathing/therapy (bought a mini massager -->)
-Fresh Air (yes, even though I live in Canada, fresh air can do a world of good for your lungs)
-LOTS of yogurt!

one thing that I added that I think made a HUGE difference was:

-Super Garlic pills
one pill is worth 3 cloves of fresh garlic, traditionally garlic has been used to treat symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.

Time line:
Nov. 17, 2009 - CF clinic, bad cough starts
Nov. 30, 2009 - bought Super Garlic pills
Dec. 6, 2009 - slept the whole night with absolutely NO coughing

I'm finally doing it!!!!!

I'm writing my CF book!!! This time the words are just coming to me. It's like perfect timing or something, I have the support of my wonderful boyfriend and time to do it... wish me luck.

If any of you would like to hear specifics about my life, CF or family in my book just send me an email at chooselife828@gmail.com

Prospective title is "Cystic Fibrosis: From Sick to Healthy"

Thanks for all the support,

Rebecca

2nd hand smoke = inhaler & antibiotics

Note: Thank Facebook for the details on when this all happened, my memory isn't that good.

Friday Night
October 23

As a DD (designated driver) for my friends I felt it wouldn't hurt too much if I kept my mouth shut and let them smoke in thier own car. I was wrong, extremely wrong!

I already had a sore throat (I get it usually once or twice a year - at least I don't get the flu) so my immune system was already fighting off whatever that was... I've stood outside by people who were smoking but never crammed in a car with the windows closed for 15 min of smoke inhalation.

Saturday
October 24

Throat still hurting & coughing getting pretty bad. My boyfriend was amazing and gave me therapy after only 4 hrs of sleep (I woke up because of caughing).

Sunday
October 25

I had an extremely bad cough (sore throat had disappeared, like usual after 1-2 days), wheezing, lack of energy & loss of appetite - the 4 symptoms of a chest infection. I was under the impression that I needed a fever as well to think of it as anything serious. I was wrong. again.

Wednesday
October 28

Side note: yes I was dumb again to wait so long before doing something about my symptoms.

I asked my dad to confirm what I thought were the symptoms of a chest infection, when he didn't list "fever" all I could say was "I have all 4", his advice was to call the doctor and get antibiotics & an inhaler.

Knowing what needs to be done and getting it done - two totally different things!

Here is what happened in list form:

Wednesday
- called left a message for my family doctor (in hindsight I should have called CF clinic)
- got a call back just before she was leaving and was told to go to the local ER

Thursday
- got a sermon from the ER doc about the H1N1 vaccine because I told him I've never been vaccinated and don't plan to ever be! (I'll also add that he said I would die if I got H1N1)
- finally got an antibiotic!
- talked to my mom (ex-nurse), she said that my CF doc had told her that as someone with CF we need a larger & longer dose of antibiotics
- called my CF clinic & left a message

Friday
Got a call back & prescriptions faxed to my local pharmacy with a follow up check-up date set for Monday, November 2nd.